Diaphragm Game Call Case

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a container for housing a diaphragm game call, comprising a case having a first member, a second member, and a line of connection therebetween, a fastening means for connecting the first and second members, and at least one moisture-retaining member disposed between the first and second members. The moisture-retaining member is preferably a sponge that can be soaked with an alcohol-free mouthwash, which helps to prevent the latex reed in the diaphragm game call from drying out and requiring replacement. The mouthwash also acts as a sanitizer to prevent the accumulation of germs and bacteria. A D-ring on the exterior of the case provides an attachment location for a lanyard, which allows a user to carry the device around his or her neck, or to remove the lanyard and carry the device in a pocket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This application is a continuation of Application No. 13/792,570, filedMar. 11, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference. The present invention relates to a diaphragm game call. Moreparticularly, it pertains to a case for storing and retaining themoisture in a diaphragm game call.

One of the most difficult aspects of hunting is attracting an animalinto a hunter's range. This is often accomplished by appealing to theanimal's senses. A hunter can appeal to an animal's sense of sight bysetting up a decoy that resembles a particular species. The hunter canalso attempt to lure an animal into range by appealing to the animal'ssense of smell by scenting his or her clothing with a composition theprey will find attractive. Finally, a hunter appeals to the animal'ssense of hearing with hunting calls. As can be appreciated, huntingcalls are noises hunters make to attract specific animals. Hunting callscan be made with a hunter's hands and mouth, and have been in use forthousands of years.

The successfulness of luring game animals by sight, smell and sounddepends on the species of game animal being hunted. Some animals aremore easily attracted by one particular sense than others. It is wellknown that wild turkeys, for example, are attracted by sound. There area variety of vocalizations for attracting wild turkeys, includinggobbles, clucks, putts, purrs, yelps, cutts, cackles and kee-kees.

There are a variety of turkey calls commercially available forreproducing these different vocalizations, however, one of the mostpopular are diaphragm game calls.

A diaphragm game call is an apparatus that is inserted into the mouth,and can be used in a hands free manner. This is particularly beneficialwhen attempting to lure a turkey into range for a kill shot. As can beappreciated, any movement made by the hunter may be heard by the turkey,and can scare it out of range. Diaphragm game calls include one or morereeds that vibrate as air passes thereover. The reeds are generallyconstructed of latex, making them susceptible to damage. If not properlycared for, the latex can be easily damaged if it comes into contact witha sharp object, and can dry out and become brittle.

The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in diaphragm gamecalls with a container for storing and retaining the moisture in adiaphragm game call. The device comprises a container made of plastic,aluminum, steel, or another suitable material. The case includes afastener on the exterior for attachment of a lanyard. The device can becarried via the lanyard, which can be removed for carrying in a pocket.The device further includes a sponge that covers the interior thereof,and takes up approximately half the depth of the container. The spongecan be soaked with an alcohol free mouthwash, which helps to prevent thelatex reed in the diaphragm game call from drying out and requiringreplacement. The mouthwash also acts as a sanitizer to prevent theaccumulation of germs and bacteria.

Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to diaphragmgame call cases. These include devices that have been patented andpublished in patent application publications. These devices generallyrelate to cases for housing and protecting a diaphragm game call. Thefollowing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the presentdisclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlightingand differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, andfurther highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, Duvuvuei, U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,472 discloses a system andmethod for storing, cleaning, drying, and hunting with diaphragm gamecall. The device comprises a sturdy, sealable, watertight container thatis adapted to house and secure one or more diaphragm callers in a fixedposition. The device is also adapted to separate and hold apart themultiple diaphragms of each game caller. Other embodiments include ameans to facilitate rinsing the game caller by a suitable rinsing agent.While the Duvuvuei device disclose an apparatus for storing a diaphragmcaller, it does not utilize a sponge on the interior that can be soakedwith an alcohol free mouthwash to prevent the latex from drying out.

In addition, to Duvuvuei, Carlton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,171, discloses ananimal call holder that includes a container having a bottom portionwith a pocket clip, loops, and a neck lanyard. The container also has anopenable lid hinged to the bottom portion. The top may be vaporpermeable, but water resistant in order to dry out wet animal calldevices in the holder. The top inside includes strips upon which indiciaidentifying the call devices can be marked. The '171 patent includes apocket clip, and storage pouches for multiple diaphragm callers stackedone on top of the other, thereby helping a user to sort and organize anumber of callers. The present invention provides a container having asponge that covers the interior thereof to protect the latex reed in acaller.

Plakke, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/0266776 discloses anarmband having an attached array of one-hand accessible, quiet openingand closing diaphragm call reed storage pockets. The pockets comprise anaccordion, envelope-shape with internal separators forming an array ofstorage pockets to hold diaphragm call reeds for hunting. A silentmagnet and metal non-contacting closure and protruding tab enable silentone-handed opening and closing of the pocket. Similar to the Carltondevice, the Plakke application discloses a diaphragm call holder that isdesigned for holding multiple callers. The device does not provide ameans of preventing the reed from drying out, or a means of sanitizingthe caller to prevent the spread of bacteria and other pathogens.

Additionally, Meuser, U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,838 discloses a container forturkey callers having a body of flexible material with a first endportion adapted to overlap a second end portion to provide a containerfor storage and transportation of a turkey caller. The first and secondend portions are adapted to be reversed and folded and held in placewith a strap to expose the turkey caller for instant use when thecontainer and turkey caller are in place on the front of a hunter. Whilethe Meuser device provides a case for a diaphragm caller, the structureand function are considerably different. The Meuser device is designedto attach to the waist of a user, and provides a means of quicklyaccessing the caller. The present invention provides a case having asponge on the interior thereof for moistening and sanitizing the callerbetween uses.

Finally, Herman, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/017 4453discloses a clip for securing a diaphragm hunting call that can bereleasably secured to a hat or other garment for holding a diaphragmhunting call. The device comprises a main body, a supporting wall, aclip mechanism, and an item retaining mechanism. Similar to the '838device, Herman discloses a holder that is designed to provide ease ofaccess to the caller. The present invention, however, discloses a casedesigned for storing the caller for an extended period of time andpreventing it from drying out between uses.

The devices disclosed in the prior art provide cases for holding adiaphragm game call. These devices are generally intended for storingthe caller for short periods of time between use, and provide quickaccess thereto when hunting. The devices known and disclosed in theprior art, however, do not utilize a means of preventing the caller fromdrying out, and for sanitizing. The present invention provides a casehaving a sponge on the interior thereof. The sponge can be soaked withan alcohol free mouthwash, thereby moistening the latex in the reedwhile at the same time disinfecting the caller.

In light of the prior art and the disclosed elements of the presentinvention, it is submitted that the present invention substantiallydiverges in design elements from the prior art. Consequently, it isclear that the present invention is not described by the art and that aneed exists for a diaphragm game call case having a means of preventingthe caller from drying out, and for sanitizing. In this regard, theinstant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofdiaphragm call cases now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a new diaphragm call case wherein the same can be utilized forproviding convenience for the user when storing and cleaning a diaphragmgame call.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved diaphragm call case device that has all of the advantages ofthe prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved diaphragm call case that can house a conventional diaphragmgamecall.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improveddiaphragm call case that includes a means of preventing the caller fromdrying out.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved diaphragm call case that provides a means of sanitizing thecaller between uses.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improveddiaphragm call case that includes a sponge that covers the interiorthereof. The sponge can be soaked with an alcohol free mouthwash, whichhelps to prevent the latex reed in the diaphragm game call from dryingout and requiring replacement.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved diaphragm call case that can be carried via a removablelanyard.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a new and improveddiaphragm call case that may be readily fabricated from materials thatpermit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, with the case ina closed position and the lanyard attached to the D-ring.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the present invention with the case inan open position.

FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the case includes a first sponge in the first memberand a second sponge in the second member.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the sponge is removably attached to the case via amount and FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the alternate embodimentillustrating the underside of the mount.

FIG. 4 is a view of the present invention with a conventional diaphragmgame call being inserted into the open case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the diaphragm call case. For the purposes of presenting abrief and clear description of the present invention, the preferredembodiment will be discussed as used for housing a conventionaldiaphragm game call. The figures are intended for representativepurposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in anyrespect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of thepresent invention, wherein the device is comprised of a case 11 having afirst member 12, a second member 13, and a line of connectiontherebetween, and a fastening means 14 for connecting said first andsecond members. The first and second members create an interior spacefor housing a conventional diaphragm game call. Contained within thecase 11 is a moisture-retaining member, such as a sponge, which isdisposed between the first and second members. The sponge can be soakedin alcohol free mouthwash, which helps to retain the moisture in thediaphragm call, and additionally sanitizes the call to prevent a buildupof bacteria thereon. The exterior of the case 11 can include a carryingmeans 15, such as a D-ring for attachment of a lanyard 16 thereto. Thediaphragm call can be placed inside the case 11 for storage betweenuses, which keeps the call moist and clean.

In the preferred embodiment, the case 11 is round with a flat top andbottom, resembling a cylinder. The case 11 is large enough to contain atleast one diaphragm game call therein. The line of connectiontherebetween creates an attachment for the first and second members, andacts as a hinge for the case 11. The fastening means provides a means ofaccessing the interior of the case 11. In the preferred embodiment, thefastening means comprises a zipper that encircles the perimeter of thecase 11. Alternately, the shape of the case 11 may vary for use ordesign purposes, and may be square, rectangular, oval, or any otherdesired shape. Additionally, the case 11 does not require a line ofconnection therebetween, but may alternately utilize a separate lid, afriction fit lid, a latch, or another suitable means of attaching thefirst and second members.

The D-ring is affixed to the exterior of the case 11, and provides ameans of securing the case 11 during transport. A lanyard can beattached to the case 11, which can be used to carry the case 11 aroundthe neck, wrist, or be attached to another object. The small size of thecase 11 increases the chance that the case 11 may be lost or misplaced.With the lanyard attached, the case 11 remains visible and securelyattached to a desired person or object at all times. The lanyardincludes a clasp that allows for detachment thereof. A user may detachthe lanyard and store the case 11 in a pocket.

Referring now to FIG. 2a , there is shown a perspective view of thepresent invention, with the case 11 in an open position. The interior ofthe case 11 includes a means of preventing the caller from drying out.In the preferred embodiment, the interior of the case 11 includes aporous material that can absorb a fluid, such as a conventional sponge21. The sponge 21 can be constructed of cellulose wood fibers, foamedplastic polymers, or can alternately be a natural sponge 21. The sponge21 covers the interior of the case 11, and takes up a substantialportion of the depth of the first member 12.

The sponge can be soaked with a liquid to help retain moisture in thediaphragm game call when placed therein. In the preferred embodiment,alcohol-free mouthwash is added to the sponge to help retain moisture.The alcohol-free mouthwash serves a threefold purpose. The liquid in themouthwash prevents the latex in the diaphragm from drying out, whichwould otherwise impair the ability of the reed to generate sound whenplaced in the user's mouth. The mouthwash additionally acts as achemotherapeutic agent to kill bacteria or other pathogens that aretransferred onto the reed from the user or the environment. Finally, theuse of alcohol-free mouthwash ensures that alcohol does not break downthe latex in the reed, which would prevent it from properly vibratingduring use.

In a first embodiment, the device can include one sponge attached to thesecond member. As shown in FIG. 2b , an embodiment of the presentinvention can utilize a first sponge 21 in the first member 12, and asecond sponge 22 in the second member 13. This provides additionalcoverage of the diaphragm game call, and ensures that both sides of thecall are kept moist and free of bacteria and pathogens. In bothembodiments, the sponge can be permanently attached to the member withan adhesive or similar means of creating a permanent connectiontherebetween.

As shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b , the sponge 21 can be removablyattached to the case 11. The sponge 21 can be attached to a mount 23that can be secured within the case 11 and removed as desired. The mount23 is preferably constructed of a water impervious material, such aspolycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or another suitablematerial. This prevents the fluid contained within the sponge 21 fromleaking. The mount 23 can be secured into position with a locking means91, such as a twist lock, hook and loop fastener, snap, button, magnet,or other similar fastener. This enables the user to remove the mount 23and sponge 21 for replacement. In the illustrated embodiment shown inFIG. 3a and FIG. 3b , the locking means 91 are both portions of a hookand loop fastener attached respectively to the surface of the firstmember 12 and the underside surface of the mount 23.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of the present invention,with a conventional diaphragm game call 31 being inserted into the opencase 11. The case 11 is designed for both long term and short termstorage of the diaphragm game call 31. In operation, a user can open thefastening means 14 to provide access to the interior of the case 11. Thesponge 21 can be soaked with a fluid, such as alcohol-free mouthwash,and the game call 31 can be inserted therein. The fastening means can beclosed, which creates a seal to secure the game call 31 into position.The amount of space within the case 11 is preferably less than the depthof the game call 31, which causes compression of the sponge when thecall is placed therein. This ensures that the game call 31 makes contactwith the sponge 21 and alcohol-free mouthwash, thereby helping tomoisten the reed 32 and prevent it from drying out, while at the sametime disinfecting the call after being placed in a user's mouth or otherlocation that is susceptible to bacteria and other pathogens.

The fastening means creates a secure connection between the first andsecond members 12, 13, thereby preventing the mouthwash containedtherein from evaporating, which could otherwise allow the reed to dryout and become damaged. The walls of the first and second member arepreferably constructed of a water impervious material that prevents themouthwash from leaking out. The first and second member are preferablyconstructed from plastic, steel, aluminum, or another suitable materialthat retains moisture within the sponge.

Once the diaphragm game call 31 is secured within the case 11, thedevice can be transported to a desired location for use. A user canattach the lanyard 16 to the D-ring 15 and carry the device around theneck, arm, or other suitable location, or can alternately detach thelanyard for storage in a pocket, backpack, or other location. When useof the diaphragm game call is desired, the user can open the fasteningmeans, remove the game call 31 from the case 11, and insert it directlyinto his or her mouth. Because the game call 31 was stored in analcohol-free mouthwash, the call will be free of bacteria and otherpathogens, and does not require rinsing or cleaning. The case 11 canthen be carried once again while the game call 31 is in use, until it isreplaced back within the case 11. At the end of a cycle of use, the usercan check the moisture level of mouthwash within the sponge 21 and addmore mouthwash if required.

Overall, the present invention provides a secure and sanitary means ofstoring and transporting a diaphragm game call. The device protects thecall from being damaged by sharp objects, prevents it from being easilylost, retains moisture within the latex reed, and disinfects the deviceafter use. The case can be easily transported to and from a huntinglocation with the lanyard, or can be placed in a pocket. As an addedbenefit, some of the mouthwash solution will be transferred into themouth of the user during use, which can kill the bacterial plaque thatcauses cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A container for housing a diaphragm game call, thecontainer comprising: a case comprising a first member defining a firstinterior, and a second member defining a second interior, wherein thefirst member and the second member are constructed of a water imperviousmaterial to prevent fluid from leaking through the container, and thefirst interior and the second interior together define an interior spacesized to enclose the diaphragm game call; the first member comprising afriction fit lid for closing the first member to the second member toenclose the interior space of the container; and a compressiblemoisture-retaining material disposed within the second member forming acompression space within the interior space and between the first memberand the compressible moisture-retaining material, the compression spacefor storage of the diaphragm game call in contact with and compressedbetween the first member and the compressible moisture-retainingmaterial.
 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the moisture-retainingmaterial comprises a sponge.
 18. The container of claim 16, wherein thecontainer further comprises a D-ring for attachment of a lanyardthereto.
 19. The container of claim 16, wherein the moisture retainingmaterial is soaked in a liquid to retain moisture in the diaphragm gamecall when placed therein.
 20. The container of claim 19, wherein saidliquid further comprises alcohol-free mouthwash.
 21. The container ofclaim 16, wherein the water impervious material comprises plastic,steel, or aluminum.
 22. A method of storing a diaphragm game callcomprising: providing a case comprising a first member defining a firstinterior, and a second member defining a second interior, wherein thefirst member and the second member are constructed of a water imperviousmaterial to prevent fluid from leaking through the container, and thefirst interior and the second interior together define an interior spacesized to enclose the diaphragm game call; the first member comprising afriction fit lid for closing the first member second member to enclosethe interior space of the container; and a compressiblemoisture-retaining material disposed within the second member forming acompression space within the interior space and between the first memberand the compressible moisture-retaining material, the compression spacefor storage of the diaphragm game call in contact with and compressedbetween the first member and the compressible moisture-retainingmaterial; combining a liquid with the compressible moisture-retainingmaterial; positioning a diaphragm game call onto the compressiblemoisture-retaining material; and enclosing the case to house thediaphragm game call.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the liquidsanitizes the game call.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the liquidmoistens the game call.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the liquidcomprises alcohol-free mouthwash.
 26. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising opening the case to access the diaphragm game call.
 27. Themethod of claim 22, further comprising replacing the compressiblemoisture-retaining material.
 28. A container for housing a diaphragmgame call, the container comprising: a case comprising a first memberdefining a first interior, and a second member defining a secondinterior, wherein the first member and the second member are constructedof a water impervious material to prevent fluid from leaking through thecontainer, and the first interior and the second interior togetherdefine an interior space sized to enclose the diaphragm game call; acompressible moisture-retaining material disposed within the secondmember forming a compression space within the interior space and betweenthe first member and the compressible moisture-retaining material; and adiaphragm game call disposed within the compression space in contactwith and compressed between the first member and the compressiblemoisture-retaining material.
 29. The container of claim 28, furthercomprising a liquid disposed within the container.
 30. The container ofclaim 29, wherein the liquid comprises alcohol-free mouthwash.